Volunteer

Join over 300 tech professionals who are
making an impact in under-resourced schools.

Become a Volunteer

All of Code Nation’s courses are taught by professional web and software developers on a volunteer basis, connecting students to knowledgeable experts in the industry. As a volunteer teacher, you can support students to gain the skills, experience, connections, and confidence needed to access careers in technology. The collective force of Code Nation can change the economic futures of communities – even whole cities. Our alumni will be the next generation of tech leaders and their diverse perspectives will foster innovation that better serves our world. We are currently recruiting volunteers in New York City, San Francisco, Oakland, and Chicago. To make a lasting impact on a young person’s future, apply today.

* Please note that the volunteer application is for new volunteers. For former volunteers looking to get back into the classroom, please email info@codenation.org.

APPLY TODAY!

FAQ

We teach web development with HTML, CSS, jQuery, and JavaScript. Our curriculum emphasizes the technical and professional skills most reliably in demand by employers and we update it every year in collaboration with volunteers. Check out our curriculum here.

Classroom volunteers support our programs for the duration of a school year (September – June). In our Intro to Web Development classes, we have opportunities to volunteer 2x a week for 60 – 90 minutes. In these programs, volunteers work in teams to support one another, share responsibilities, and deliver the Code Nation curriculum.

For volunteers who have less flexibility in scheduling, we also offer volunteer opportunities in our Teacher Led Programs. In these classes, the Code Nation curriculum is delivered by a classroom teacher at the school. Volunteers attend class 2x a month to provide coding project support to students.

Classroom volunteers need to be able to commit to a consistent teaching schedule at a school site. They are expected to participate for the entire school year, barring unforeseen circumstances.  All volunteers must also complete the school’s fingerprinting and background checks and attend training before entering the classroom. No prior teaching experience is required.

Code Nation provides a comprehensive volunteer training at the beginning of the school year. Additionally, each volunteer team is supported in the classroom by a Code Nation program manager. Supplemental trainings and informal meet-ups occur throughout the year, where volunteers learn new skills, share best practices, and receive further coaching and support.

Code Nation has school partners in New York City, the Bay Area, and Chicago.

Our greatest need is for volunteers to teach our first-year Intro to Web Development classes, which take place in schools. But we also recruit volunteers to teach Fellowship programs, which take place 1x a week after-school at company partners’ offices. Check out the For Companies page for more information on hosting an Fellowship program. If you’d like to volunteer, but can’t be available every week, or don’t have a technical skill set, you can apply to be an event volunteer and help out at special events. Complete a volunteer application and select “event volunteering” to receive information on these opportunities.

A Code Nation program manager will be in touch to review your application, answer your questions, and discuss next steps. Most volunteers are placed in classrooms before the start of the school year, but we occasionally have opening during the school year. If we have an opening that matches your availability, you will receive more information on training sessions and how to complete our partner schools’ background checks.

Many companies will match the hours their employees spend volunteering by making a financial donation to the organization employees support! Reach out to your company’s Human Resources Department to find out about your employer’s match program. You can also talk to your company about becoming a company partner and supporting our work in a number of meaningful ways.

Other Ways to Support

If you’re interested in supporting our mission but you haven’t found the right volunteer opportunity yet, there are other ways to get involved.

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BECOME A PARTNER

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